Whether it's the iPhone 3GS or the latest browser download, new products claiming to Change Everything are a dime a dozen. So should you become an early adopter or wait on the next shinier version to come out?

Over at ideas weblog BigThink, tech blogger Harry McCracken (the name he was born with, we're sure) outlines his list on how to be a "smart adopter". This means buying technology at the right time, which—depending on the product—means grabbing it early, waiting longer, or choosing some time frame in between.

Among his suggestions for becoming a smart adopter: Ask yourself if you're willing to troubleshoot. New products are likely to have their share of bugs and less documentation for fixing those problems. Instead, the author suggests you might be better served investing in gear you already own.

The full post has his complete tips, but we're curious to hear your thoughts on how to purchase products wisely. Do you count yourself among the early adopter set or is having the latest gadget first not your primary motivation? Let us know when and why you do your shopping in the comments.